The invention of gabardine

The innovative fabric was invented in 1879 by Thomas Burberry. Breathable and weatherproof, it revolutionised rainwear – which up until then had typically been heavy and uncomfortable to wear.

The company moves into its first London store at 30 Haymarket in 1891.

Origins of the trench

The trench coat began as the Tielocken. Patented by Burberry in 1912, it was an unbuttoned style made from gabardine and fastened with a belt.

The trench coat was developed to serve the needs of the military in the early 20th century. Epaulettes displayed an officer’s rank, while the belt’s metal D-rings were used to attach equipment.

Burberry was the outfitter of choice for several polar explorers, as our gabardine fabric’s protective and lightweight qualities made it well-suited to cope with inhospitable conditions.

Sir Ernest Shackleton

The acclaimed polar explorer wore Burberry gabardine for three expeditions in the early 20th century, and is portrayed by Dominic West in The Tale of Thomas Burberry.

Aviation

In the film Lily James portrays Betty, a fictionalised character inspired by the real-life achievements of Betty Kirby-Green. The blue flying suit she wears has been based on images from the Burberry Heritage Archive.